This photo taken on March 23, 2026 shows a view of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao Town of Qionghai City, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

BOAO, Hainan, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 held a plenary on Thursday in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the BFA, Zhao said the forum has become a prestigious platform for promoting exchanges, collaboration and common development among Asian nations and the wider world.

Only by working together in solidarity can humanity address global risks and challenges and create a better future, he said.

As China prepares for the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen this November, Zhao said the country stands ready to take this opportunity as host and work with all parties to build an Asia-Pacific community, and inject greater vitality and stronger impetus into the region's development.

Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation."